Meta Information
ID:gaba-liposomal
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (Benzodiazepines, Opioids, Barbiturates, etc.) (Pharmacologic)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
GABA has sedative properties that are additive with other central nervous system depressants, potentially leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression.
Actionable advice:
GABA should not be taken with any prescription or over-the-counter CNS depressant medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The mechanism of action of hop resin consists of raising the levels of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter acting in the central nervous system (CNS).
Label source:
PubMed: The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer in healthy female nurses. (PMID 22815680)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/dietary/alcohol-acute
Target name:
Alcohol (Acute Consumption)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining GABA with alcohol can significantly increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impair motor skills due to additive depressant effects on the central nervous system.
Actionable advice:
Alcohol should not be consumed while taking GABA supplements.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Alcohol alters the balance between γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, and glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/activity/alertness-required
Target name:
Activities Requiring Mental Alertness (e.g., Driving)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Due to its potential sedative effects, GABA can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making activities like driving or operating machinery dangerous.
Actionable advice:
GABA should not be taken before driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There is some evidence in favor of a calming effect of GABA food supplements
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4594160/
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The safety of GABA supplementation during pregnancy has not been established, and its effects on fetal development are unknown.
Actionable advice:
GABA should not be used at all during pregnancy.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Overall, there isn't enough information to be sure about the safety of GABA. So, to be safe, avoid using GABA if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is not known if GABA passes into breast milk or what effects it might have on a nursing infant; therefore, its use is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
GABA should not be used at all while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Overall, there isn't enough information to be sure about the safety of GABA. So, to be safe, avoid using GABA if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
GABA may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which can be additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
Blood pressure should be monitored closely if GABA is taken alongside blood pressure medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Because some studies showed that GABA was associated with decreases in blood pressure, it is conceivable that concurrent use of GABA with anti-hypertensive medications could increase risk of hypotension.
Label source:
PubMed: United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Safety Review of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). (PMID 34444905)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/gabapentinoids
Target name:
Gabapentinoids (e.g., Gabapentin, Pregabalin)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Although they work via different mechanisms, gabapentinoids have CNS depressant effects that can be additive with GABA, increasing the risk of sedation and dizziness.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution and under medical supervision, given the potential for increased sedation.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
taking both these CNS depressants can lead to adverse effects like (but not limited to) ataxia, confusion, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and weakness
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8189818/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/herbal-sedatives
Target name:
Sedating Herbs and Supplements (Valerian, Ashwagandha, Melatonin) (Herbal Additive)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining GABA with other supplements known for their calming or sedative effects can lead to excessive drowsiness and daytime grogginess.
Actionable advice:
Caution is a good idea when combining with other calming supplements to avoid excessive sedation.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
GABA and L-theanine mixture decreases sleep latency
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6366437/
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/hypotension
Target name:
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
GABA may lower blood pressure, which could be problematic for individuals who already have hypotension, potentially causing dizziness or fainting.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution, and it is a good idea to monitor for symptoms of low blood pressure in those with a history of hypotension.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a new fermented milk product containing GABA (FMG) on the blood pressure (BP) of patients with mild hypertension.
Label source:
PubMed: Blood-pressure-lowering effect of a novel fermented milk containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mild hypertensives. (PMID 12627188)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking GABA before bedtime aligns with its intended use for promoting relaxation and supporting sleep onset.
Actionable advice:
It is best taken 30 to 60 minutes before the intended bedtime for optimal effect.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
As the primary neurotransmitter, it promotes relaxation, inhibits depression and sleeplessness, and regulates synaptic transmission and neuronal development.
Label source:
PubMed: GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) enrichment and detection methods in cereals: Unlocking sustainable health benefits. (PMID 39504899)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-b6
Target name:
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for the enzyme that synthesizes GABA in the brain, potentially supporting endogenous GABA levels.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking with Vitamin B6, as it is a necessary cofactor for GABA synthesis.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Vitamin B6 (B6) is an essential cofactor of glutamate decarboxylase and catalyzes the decarboxylation of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Label source:
PubMed: Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of vitamin B6 in status epilepticus children. (PMID 21074958)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/magnesium
Target name:
Magnesium (especially Glycinate or L-threonate)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Magnesium can enhance GABAergic activity by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, potentially complementing the effects of GABA supplementation for relaxation.
Actionable advice:
Taking GABA with a calming form of magnesium may provide complementary relaxation benefits.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Two-electrode voltage clamp recordings of recombinant alpha1beta2gamma2S, alpha1beta2, alpha2beta2gamma2S and alpha2beta2 GABAA receptors revealed a potentiation by 0.1-1 mM Mg2+ of EC20 GABA-evoked ion currents.
Label source:
PubMed: Neuroreport (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The anxiolytic-like effect of magnesium (20 mg/kg) was antagonized by flumazenil (10 mg/kg) (benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) while combined treatment with the non-effective doses of magnesium (10 mg/kg) and benzodiazepines (diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) or chlordiazepoxide (2 mg/kg)) produced synergistic interaction (increased time in open arms and number of open arm entries) in this test.
Label source:
PubMed: Pharmacological reports : PR (2008)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In the brain, Mg2+ regulates the function of ion channels and neurotransmitters (blocks voltage-gated Ca2+ channel-mediated transmitter release, antagonizes NMDARs, activates GABAARs, suppresses nAChR ion current and modulates gap junction channels) and blocks ACh release at neuromuscular junctions.
Label source:
PubMed: Biological trace element research (2025)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/l-theanine
Target name:
L-Theanine
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
L-Theanine promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain waves and can also increase levels of GABA and other calming neurotransmitters.
Actionable advice:
Combining GABA with L-Theanine may produce a synergistic calming effect, but be mindful of potential drowsiness.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Previous studies suggest that L-theanine exerts its relaxant effect by enhancing GABA levels, thereby increasing the expression of dopamine and serotonin in the brain
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9017334/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/dietary/hot-foods-beverages
Target name:
Hot Foods or Beverages
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Liposomal GABA relies on a heat-sensitive phospholipid bilayer to protect and deliver its payload. Stirring it into a hot beverage (coffee, tea, soup) can melt or rupture the liposomes, destroying the enhanced-absorption advantage that is the entire point of the liposomal form.
Actionable advice:
Liposomal GABA should not be added to hot drinks or food. It should be taken with cool or room-temperature liquid to keep the liposomes intact.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Mechanism / liposome thermal stability
Exact phrase from label:
Phospholipid liposomal delivery systems are thermally labile and lose bilayer integrity when exposed to hot liquids, negating the absorption advantage of the liposomal format.
Label source:
Mechanistic inference
Action type:
avoid
Derived From
gaba
Provenance Note
Interactions duplicated from 'gaba'. Liposomal formulation; same interactions.